Find Cheap Flights to Ethiopia and Compare Prices for Your Trip

Winter offers the best weather for exploring, especially in northern Ethiopia. This is the high season, so book your cheap flights to Addis Ababa well in advance to find cheap Ethiopia flight tickets.

Spring offers mild temperatures before the rainy season begins. You can find cheap Ethiopia flight tickets and fewer tourists than in winter.

Summer is Ethiopia's main rainy season, making some roads difficult. Ethiopia flight ticket prices are often lower, perfect for budget travelers who don't mind the rain.

The autumn months are an excellent time to visit. The landscape is lush and green after the rain, and flights to Ethiopia become cheaper than during the high season.

Swedish citizens need a visa to travel to Ethiopia. The easiest way is to apply for an e-visa online before departure. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Always check the latest regulations on the Ethiopian Embassy's website before booking your Ethiopia flight tickets, as rules can change quickly. Keep copies of all important documents.

Within Addis Ababa, taxis (both the blue 'regular' ones and app-based services like Ride) are the best way to get around. For longer distances between cities like Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar, or Mekelle, domestic flights are often the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you have booked flights to Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines. Buses are cheap but can be slow and crowded. Always negotiate the price with taxi drivers in advance if you use an unregulated taxi. Rail traffic is limited to one line between Addis Ababa and Djibouti.

Accommodation in Ethiopia varies greatly. In Addis Ababa, you will find international hotel chains and boutique hotels. In historical cities like Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum, there is a mix of simpler guesthouses and mid-range hotels. To find cheap flights to Ethiopia and keep your Ethiopia flight travel budget down, you can consider staying at local guesthouses. These provide a more authentic experience and are often very affordable. Always book accommodation in advance, especially during the high season (October to January).

Ethiopia is generally safe, but be careful of petty crime, especially in crowded areas of Addis Ababa. Dress respectfully, especially when visiting churches and mosques; cover shoulders and knees. Ethiopians are very hospitable and polite; learning a few phrases in Amharic (like 'Ameseginalehu' for thank you) is appreciated. When eating injera (the national dish), only use your right hand. Avoid taking pictures of military installations or police. Be aware that begging is common, especially around tourist attractions. Try not to openly display expensive items.

Ethiopian food is unique and a highlight. The national dish is injera, a sourdough flatbread served with various spicy stews (wats). Many dishes are vegetarian, making it easy for everyone to eat. Try Doro Wat (chicken stew) and Kitfo (raw or lightly cooked meat). Coffee is central to Ethiopian culture; don't miss a traditional coffee ceremony. Drink only bottled water and be careful with raw vegetables that cannot be peeled. It is part of the travel experience to eat with your hands, sharing food from the same platter, which creates community.

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Cash is king outside the major hotels in Addis Ababa. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so make sure you have enough Birr, especially when traveling to Gondar or Lalibela. It is best to exchange money at the airport or in major banks. ATMs are available in larger cities but can be unreliable. Try to have smaller bills on hand for small purchases and tips. Avoid exchanging money on the black market, as it is illegal and risky. Plan your Ethiopia flight travel budget carefully.

Contact your healthcare center in Sweden well in advance to discuss necessary vaccinations. Vaccination against yellow fever is required if you have recently visited a country with a risk of infection. Hepatitis A and typhoid are often recommended. Malaria prophylaxis may be necessary depending on where you are traveling in Ethiopia. Avoid drinking tap water and make sure all food is properly cooked. Bring a small first-aid kit with stomach medicine and pain relievers. Altitude sickness can be a problem in cities like Addis Ababa (2,355 meters), so take it easy the first few days.

Pack light, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites. Hiking boots are necessary if you plan to visit the Simien Mountains or the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. An adapter for British (Type G) or European (Type C/E/F) power outlets may be needed. A small flashlight/headlamp is good as power outages can occur. Don't forget to pack a copy of your e-visa and confirmation of your Ethiopia flight tickets.